Halloween, celebrated annually on October 31, traces its origins to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a harvest festival marking the boundary between the living and the dead. The Celts lit bonfires, wore costumes, and performed rituals to honor spirits and seek protection from mischief. Over time, Roman festivals like Feralia and Pomona merged with Samhain, and Christianity introduced All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, giving rise to All Hallows' Eve—Halloween. In America, Halloween evolved from colonial "play parties" into community celebrations featuring trick-or-treating, costumes, and games. Today, it is a largely secular, family-friendly holiday emphasizing fun, candy, and seasonal traditions. https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-halloween